Billy J. Coley, age 92, passed to his eternal home on Friday night, February 20, 2026, at his home in Livingston, Texas. Billy was born in Paraloma, Arkansas, on December 28, 1933 to William and Lela Bell Coley. The family moved to Texas when Billy was in high school. Billy graduated from Livingston High School and joined his father in the timber industry. He later attended college at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
Billy and Barbara Franklin were joined in marriage in June of 1955 at First Baptist Church in Livingston. They were married for seventy years. He became a member of First Baptist Church in April of 1955, upon accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and was baptized into fellowship. Billy served his Lord faithfully the rest of his life. His most fulfilling service was assisting the Bus Ministry during the early 70s at First Baptist. He was ordained a deacon at Central Baptist Church and served until his health declined. Billy was president of the Lake Livingston Lion’s Club and served as a district officer. His past time joy in life was deer hunting in Sonora with family, best friends and business associates. He also enjoyed fishing at Lake Livingston at his holiday home. He was the most loving father and grandfather and so enjoyed the blessings of being both.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, William and Lela Bell Coley; infant sister; father-in-law, William Raymond Franklin; mother-in-law, Jo Franklin Kocian; and niece Treva Smith Pratt. He is survived by wife, Barbara Franklin Coley; daughter and son-in-law, Connie Coley Springs and Michael Springs of Houston, Texas; grandson and granddaughter-in-law Christen and Amy Springs of Austin, Texas; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Coley and Michael Anzur of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; great granddaughter, Adalynne Grace Anzur of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pat and Thomas Smith of Spring, Texas; great-nephew Tyler Pratt, of Houston, Texas; great-niece and great-nephew-in-law Taegan and AG Guerra of Palmetto, Florida; great-great niece Kendall Pratt, of Houston, Texas; and daughter-by-love, Terry Galloway of Livingston, Texas.
A graveside service was held at Garden of Memories in Lufkin, Texas on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Rev Thomas Smith held the service with music by Pam Sprott.
Honorary Pallbearers were Jerry Cassity, Sherry Cassity Baker, Kerry Cassity Brown, Keith Mayes, Ron Siler, Susan Siler, Stan Galloway and Sheryl Dominy.
A special gratitude to Harbor Hospice and staff for the care that was given to Billy and family over the past month.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choosing.
Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.
